City of the Absent Read Online Free PDF

seemed a sad and eerie tribute to Mayor Harrison’s sudden demise, and in Ransom’s hands, like a hymnal. The thin brochure recalled how, as a child in church, he’d collect the catechisms left in array and in all manner of places by people leaving after the final prayer, and how as a child he’d wondered at the hollowness of many people, and many things of this world.
    His grip tightened around the fair bill, but after a moment, with little to do and feeling useless where he stood on the mayor’s lawn, he opened the brochure and gazed down at it without reading the words he knew by heart:
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    Visitor’s Guide to the World’s Columbian Exposition
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    In the City of Chicago, State of Illinois,
    May 1 to October 26, 1893.
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    BY AUTHORITY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
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    Issued under authority of the World’s Columbian Exposition
    [ HAND BOOK EDITION. ]
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    CHICAGO
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    Ransom had read the brochure more than once, and now he absently turned a page, remembering the whole of it by his photographic memory. The brochure read in part:
    The first duty of the visitor who is desirous of obtaining the best possible results from a visit to the World’s Columbian Exposition , be his time brief or unlimited , is carefully to study the accompanying map. This is an absolute necessity to one who would not travel aimlessly over the grounds and who has a purpose beyond that of a mere curiosity hunter. It is presumed at the outset that the great majority of visitors are those who seek to enlighten themselves regarding the progress which the world has made in the arts , sciences , and industries. To him who enters upon an examination of the external and internal exhibit of this the greatest of all world’s fairs, a liberal education is assured. It is the aim of this volume to aid in such endeavor—to clear the way of obstacles—to make the pathway broad and pleasant.
    It has not been attempted to point out or to describe everything within the World’s Fair grounds. Such an attempt of necessity would prove futile. The visitor willfind ample directions on all sides , nor will he suffer for want of information of a general or of a specific nature. Directing signs and placards will be found on the grounds as well as within the buildings. The employees of the exposition are instructed to answer pertinent questions , promptly and civilly. Guides may be employed by the hour or by the day. The Columbian Guard , acting as a semimilitary police force , provides against unusual or uncomfortable blockades.
    The Visitor’s Guide is an adjunct to all of the other wise provisions made by the exposition management , and with proper regard for the suggestions it makes , and the information it contains , the visitor cannot fail , it is hoped , in obtaining comprehensive and satisfactory results.
    â€œWhat sorta dribble’re you reading, Ransom?” asked Carmichael, at his side again. The reporter’d had a few too many whiskeys for one night, and he looked old to Ransom. The cynic amid a cynical city, Thom Carmichael found nothing lovely in the world, and in fact had remarked often in his paper that “a most innocent child at her cotillion— Chicago —is marked for ugly reality to befall her once the big party is over and the chips counted.”
    â€œIt’s not the Her-Herald, I hope you’re readin’,” Carmichael now said, slurring his words. The man had been toasting the mayor’s death once too often.
    â€œAre you hallucinating, Thom?”
    â€œI’ve too much respect for you to believe you’d read that rag.”
    â€œYou’re insulting your own rag, Thom, and you’re drunk. Best go home, sleep it off.”
    â€œSleep it off, heh? Indeed, but it’ll be there tomorrow, Rance, and you know it as-well-as I.” Even drunk and slurring, Thom remained ever the proper grammarian.
    â€œAre you meaning the newspaper or